In the Words of AU: Why Black Art is Important

This week, I interviewed your fellow classmates, many of whom are artists themselves, on why they think Black art is important to our world and society. The answers range from the importance of infusing art with culture and the pain of past experiences to the factual truth: so much of our music, fashion, paintings, and more wouldn’t exist without the involvement of Black artists. Use this moment to take in their carefully chosen words and spend some time appreciating Black art today.

I think Black art is unique in the way that it represents so much! Black artists create art that represents and expresses so much emotion from pain to freedom, joy, redemption, and beauty. They bring their experiences along with their art; stories that others cannot tell. So much art would not exist without Black people. Black is the blueprint! Their influence is in everything! I believe that diversity is so important to art because all should be able to access the beauty that Black creators have brought to this world. Without the unique perspective that Black artists bring to the table, the world would be pretty dull.
Julaine Phillips (sophomore, medical laboratory sciences)

To me, art is a form of communication; it’s a way to reach people that you may never see, that you may never know and still inspire them. What I love about art is that through it others can connect to my culture, Black culture, not just on a mental level but in a way that resonates with their souls.
Keith Bullard (senior, graphic design)

Whether or not we are aware of it, artists of every ethnicity sing from a space, an experience that is personal to us. In creating from this space, we cannot help but infuse our culture into our art; it is who we are. As a Black, Bahamian artist, I have the chance to invite others into my world through the stories I tell; a world that is unique to me. I can use language and expressions that are true to my Black, West Indian background, while still creating art that resonates with so many outside of this sphere. This is a privilege because it means that as a Black woman, I have a voice and my art makes room for me to be heard.
Evin-Nazya Musgrove (senior, psychology)

I think the Black community creates the most beautiful art out of our experiences. Pain can sometimes be the greatest motivation and inspiration. I have never looked at a Black artist’s work and not felt a connection. Our work never leaves me blank or emotionless; it inspires me and draws me in. I remember growing up, when I would visit my grandma, I would see pieces of Egyptian art all around her house. I always loved how our people were represented. We were royalty and something about that made me feel special. I think over time the world has taught our people to think less of themselves. But our work, our creativity, and our individuality has proven us to be exceptionally talented.
Sarah Coleman (sophomore, nursing)

Just like every different culture in the world, they all bring a different perspective. Black culture brings color and a unique spice that others try to duplicate but never replicate. Black artists have been the movers and shakers of the art world, and it has threatened others for generations. A lot of the music we enjoy today would not exist without Black people. I mean, America as we know it would not exist without Black people. As a Black artist myself it is my job to make sure people like me are seen. I want Black people to infiltrate the upper rooms and to sit at the tables with the CEO, or even be the CEO. They love to steal our art, but think about how much more beautiful the world would be if everyone worked together and collaborated.
Reyna Samms (senior, photography)

I think that Black art is important to the world, just like I think all art is important. I appreciate the story that Black art tells us today. Music communicates different experiences, and when you listen to Black art you’re listening to a story unique from others. You’re listening to a group of people who overcame all the negativity thrown at them, and became something great.
Eli Wilson (freshman, business)

Maya Angelou, Bob Marley, Aaron Douglas, and Spike Lee are just a few of the plethora of
iconic Black creatives that shaped not only Black cultural art but art as we know it today.
Through music, poetry, paintings, and film, Black creatives have demonstrated how to turn pain
to power, struggle to success, and hardship to happiness. To the contributors recognized and
unnoticed we thank you. Without you, art forms such as Rock n’ Roll, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues
and forms of abstract expressionism, to name a few, would not be around today.
Matthew Jackson (senior, finance)

Black artists bring their own unique way of doing things. What I mean is that Black artists that tend to brainstorm and use their own ideas instead of leaning on the ideas of other people, usually stand out the most. For example, back in the 90s Tupac was a big influencer in both fashion and music; without Tupac I believe people wouldn’t have been inspired to dress in a certain style that they found appealing. I believe as a Black artist I help inspire others or give them advice when it comes to fashion. As a fashion influencer, it isn’t easy giving advice because everyone may not share the same aesthetic. When I say “aesthetic” I mean the way people put their clothes together. When I put clothes together, I style my clothes differently than most people. I personally like standing out when it comes to styling clothes. I want to leave people thinking, “I’ve never seen someone style clothes like that,” or, “The way he wears his clothes is unique or different.”
Nehemiah Barthelemy (sophomore, pre-physical therapy)

Black art is important because it has the ability to display the unique and abstract parts of our culture. It depicts our struggles, our creativity, and the love we have to give all at once. One example of an art form that would not exist without Black creatives is abstract expressionism and realism. This type of art is an important part of art culture and communities today, which illustrates how much influence Black art has on culture as a whole.
Jennifer Jean (sophomore, medical laboratory sciences)

I think the first thing to note is how much variety there is within Black art. I personally paint and draw, but there are so many other forms of art to explore and it’s important to do so. Within music alone, genres like R&B, soul, hip hop, and rock & roll were all shaped by Black artists. The Black diaspora itself has so many different distinct traditions and influences. The perspective of a Black person living in South America can be so different from the perspective of a Black person living in North America, the Caribbean, the U.K., or Africa. Being able to share stories and experiences through visual and other mediums of art creates a world where we can understand each other better. It’s also important to note just how much Black art has impacted the rest of the world. I remember reading something a while ago that said that pop culture is Black art. Growing up this was something I understood without seeing it in writing. Streetwear, hip hop, AAVE, and so much more are used every day for marketing and design by companies, artists, and influencers alike. It’s so apparent, especially on social media. Black art spreads so quickly now, and sometimes gets misconstrued to benefit others. I think sharing Black art is important, but I think giving credit when due is important, and not silencing the voices of Black artists is even more important. In summary, Black art has been a very powerful tool for our communities to express ourselves, individually and as a group. It shapes stories and goals and feelings and I love that. I think that our art has become so influential because of the fact that we exist in so many different cultural communities. I love being a Black artist and helping other Black artists spread their work, because that means I’m sharing perspectives of the past, present, and the future as well.
Ciera Phillpotts (senior, psychology)

We are living in a time when Black artists and creatives have the opportunity to control the narrative of their culture and how it’s represented to mainstream society. This allows for Black creatives to create, circulate and publish their unique and untold stories that authentically exhibit their culture, character and beliefs.
Qualyn Robinson (senior, digital communications)

The thought of a world without Black art is to me a world without inspiration, excellence, and influence. From our great music to fine arts, the contribution that African Americans have made to this world has truly made it a world of greatness and excellence. To me, different views bring different perspectives which create chances to reach new horizons. The diversity in art made in part by amazing Black artists has now created a world where excellence blossoms and continues to expand.
Jonathan Lutterodt (freshman, nursing)